Virat Kohli finally scored his first runs against Josh Hazlewood since returning to international cricket, prompting a thunderous cheer from the Sydney crowd. With the ongoing third ODI likely marking his last appearance on Australian soil, every run carried extra significance for the legendary Indian batter.
India concluded their three-match ODI tour of Australia, where stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Kohli made their highly anticipated comeback. While the series didn’t deliver ideal results for India or for Kohli personally, this final game offered a moment of redemption for the former captain.
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Early in the innings, India’s new captain, Shubman Gill, fell to Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling, leaving Kohli to take center stage. The packed Sydney Cricket Ground erupted as he walked out, with fans from both India and Australia showing respect for the veteran’s illustrious career. It was a moment befitting a cricketer of Kohli’s stature.
So many emotions! ☺️🥹❤️
He’s off the mark & the crowd has made its happiness loud and clear! 🙌
Will we witness a Chase Master special from #ViratKohli tonight? 🔥#AUSvIND 👉 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0evPIuANAu pic.twitter.com/SZiBRnnvUY
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025
Fist pump by Virat Kohli after getting off the mark. pic.twitter.com/sZJ9Fs2cIp
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 25, 2025
Facing Hazlewood, Kohli got forward and elegantly clipped his first delivery to mid-wicket for a single. The shot, simple yet authoritative, immediately broke the jinx of consecutive ducks that had overshadowed his return. The crowd’s roar was deafening, acknowledging not just the run, but Kohli’s enduring class and resilience.
Pumping his fist in relief, Kohli appeared visibly rejuvenated, a testament to his fighting spirit and determination to finish the series on a positive note.
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While India may not have dominated the series, Kohli’s first runs at the SCG served as a symbolic moment, celebrating his legacy and hinting at the invaluable mentorship he continues to provide to captain Shubman Gill and the younger Indian players. This innings was more than just runs—it was a reminder of why Kohli remains one of the most celebrated figures in white-ball cricket.
